Avid hikers looking to diversify their wardrobe should consider opting for hiking leggings. In addition to hiking pants, hiking shorts, and even hiking skirts, hiking leggings provide a protective, warm leg covering that can be worn throughout each season, no matter the terrain. Hiking leggings are packable and durable making this garment the perfect thing to bring on camping trips, day hikes, thru-hikes, or weekend getaways where walking in the woods is on the itinerary.
Hiking leggings offer the wearer freedom of movement, protection in any weather, comfort in any environment, and mad style points when transitioning from trail to town. They’re different than yoga pants and regular leggings in that hiking leggins are typically more rugged, made with sturdy material that won’t snag on branches, thorns, or bushes. Looking to expand your hiking gear list? Here are our top 12 recommendations.
Table of Contents
- 0.1 Fjallraven Abisko Trail Tights
- 0.2 Eddie Bauer Women’s Trail Tight
- 0.3 prAna Electa
- 0.4 Patagonia Pack Out Tights
- 0.5 Smartwool Merino Sport Tight Fleece
- 0.6 Arc’teryx Essent
- 0.7 Montane Women’s Ineo Lite Pants
- 0.8 Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Rock Tight
- 0.9 Columbia Wingates II Leggings
- 0.10 Stio Glide Highrise Tech Tight
- 0.11 Title Nine Zion Hiking Tights
- 0.12 Kuhl Transender Leggings
- 1 Buyer’s Guide
- 2 FAQs
Fjallraven Abisko Trail Tights
Key technical specs:
lightweight, breathable, moisture wicking, reinforced knees and rear.
- Price: $175
- Material: polyamide and elastane
- Style: mid-rise, full-length leggings
What we love
We love the look and feel of these super comfortable, supportive hiking leggings. Reinforced knees and a reinforced seat allow us to slip past rocky outcroppings or traipse through overgrown brush without fear of ripping our pants at the high contact areas of our bodies.
What we don’t
The price is steep. There’s no getting around it. These are some expensive leggings.
Product Review:
Meet the Cadillac of leggings. Fjallraven is the leader when it comes to performance-focused, durable clothing that can stand the toughest of terrains. The Fjallraven Abisko Trail Tights are stylish, sleek, flattering, and extremely durable. A wide band and adjustable waist mean these hiking leggings won’t slip when you’re trekking up the trail or scrambling over scree fields. The four-way stretch fabric encourages mobility and the sleek fabric easily slides under a hard-shell outer layer. These hiking leggings are most like traditional hiking pants.
Eddie Bauer Women’s Trail Tight
Key technical specs:
high-rise, moisture-wicking trail leggings that are stretchy and comfortable.
- Price: $90
- Material: polyester and spandex
- Style: high-rise, full-length leggings
What we love
These tights are flattering and supportive for all body shapes. Their UPF factor is +50 and the breathable fabric makes these a great option for summer time hiking. The cargo pockets and odor control set these apart from others on this list.
What we don’t
The high rise nature could rub on long backpacking trips and get uncomfortable depending on where one’s pack sits on their hips.
Product Review:
These leggings were designed specifically for outdoor adventuring because Eddie Bauer’s other leggings couldn’t stand up. The odor protection, sun protection, and super secure pockets really make this a versatile piece of hiking gear. The leggings hug the body but aren’t so tight that you’ll feel uncomfortable or immobile. The mesh piecing on the legs of these leggings allow for added ventilation.
prAna Electa
Key technical specs:
The prAna Electa leggings boast a super soft feel and a subtle sheen making them comfy and stylish. Side pockets and a hidden waist-band key holder mean you don’t have to carry a lot of additional items in hand.
- Price: $89
- Material: recycled nylon and lycra
- Style: high-waisted, full length legging
What we love
We love the feel of these leggings. They are ultra soft and lightweight. They also make a good all around legging so you can utilize them throughout the year, at the gym, or outdoors. The fun patterns set the prAna Electa leggings apart from others on this list and give wearers a way to feel a bit fashionable as well as functional.
What we don’t
They definitely aren’t designed for scrambling over granite, trampling through
Product Review:
While prAna is best known for its yoga pants and athleisure wear, it has designed a tough trail tight that can go under outer layers or be worn on their own. These recycled nylon leggings are made with flatlock construction and prAna’s trademarked Triangle Coolmax so you can feel confident and supported. Plus, this is a bluesign product, meaning you can rest easy knowing that your shopping supports more sustainable practices in the outdoor clothing world.
Patagonia Pack Out Tights
Key technical specs:
A 29” inseam, wide waistband, and regular rise make these a great fit for bodies of many shapes and sizes.
- Price: $119
- Material: polyester and spandex
- Style: mid rise, long leggings
What we love
Patagonia consistently churns out fantastic quality gear that is kind on the planet. Its repair and return policy is unmatched. You can rest easy knowing that purchasing the Patagonia Pack Out Tights is a solid investment and you’ll be able to rely on this well made piece of gear for years to come.
What we don’t
The price is steep but it is Patagonia. Within their price tag comes kind environmental practices and fair trade practices, which means a premium wage is paid to the people who sew the company’s garments.
Product Review:
The stitching on these pants is ultra flattering and supportive. Pocket details and the wide waistband make these pants different from others on this list. The blend of polyester and spandex allow the Pack Out Tights to dry more quickly than wool or poly blend counter parts. These stretchy pants won’t lose their shape should you happen to wear them for days on end. Drop in pockets on each leg give you a space to stash your phone, keys, wallet, or gel packets so you can be hands free on trail runs, long hikes, or climbs.
Smartwool Merino Sport Tight Fleece
Key technical specs:
These are winter hiking leggings. The Merino Fleece Sport Tight are made with knit fabric and have an interior waist drawcord for ease of adjustment. These hiking leggings have a slim fit and hug the body very tightly.
- Price: $135
- Material: polyester, Merino wool, elastane
- Style: cold weather wool tight with a slim fit.
What we love
We love how insulating these tights are in chilly weather. They are great for winter time runs, late fall leaf peeping, or cold camping excursions. The reflective elements add visibility and the drop-in pockets on the side panels are wide enough for a phone or wallet. These are the perfect pair of hiking pants for winter time runs on or off trail.
What we don’t
The Smartwool Merino Sport tights are just too warm for summer months.They are made with thicker material which allows skiers to use these as a base layer. Depending on the climate you live and play in, they may not be a great choice at all. These hiking leggings are really geared towards those living in cold climates.
Product Review:
Wool is hands down the best fabric to wear in cold weather when you know you’ll be sweating a lot. It’s moisture wicking, antimicrobial, and incredibly warm, even when in wet weather. These Smartwool hiking tights are super comfortable, soft, and fit well thanks to the stretchy knit fabric. Inside each pant leg is brushed Merino wool that feels oh so warm against your legs. The synthetic outer layer helps pants stay dry during active snowfall or rainfall while keeping body heat in.
Arc’teryx Essent
Key technical specs:
made from synthetic fiber and constructed with a next-to-skin fit, these 28” inseam hiking leggings are built for the mountains.
- Price: $120
- Material: nylon and elastane
- Style: next-to-skin, high-rise, long leggings
What we love
Arc’teryx is one of the higher end outdoor brands. They spend years researching and designing clothing to give the wearer the best possible experience. It’s easy to tell that the Arc’teryx Essent hiking leggings were crafted with extreme attention. They fit amazingly and feel so supportive.
What we don’t
These tights were really designed for snowier activities and built to slide underneath a hard shell outer layer. The steep price tag can be prohibitive for someone looking to find an all-around great hiking legging that works in all weather.
Product Review:
Built for trekking, rock climbing, alpine climbing or even spring skiing, the Arc’teryx Essent hiking leggings are a great fit for a multi-sport person looking for cold weather clothing. Two thigh pockets offer easy access for miscellaneous materials. Using Arc’teryx’s trademarked Chira (nylon and elastane interlock), these pants are extremely abrasion resistant yet breathable. They can withstand tough terrain, dynamic movements, and long term use between washes. If you can make the investment for a pair of cold-weather, durable pants, this should be your first pick. You can’t go wrong with Arc’teryx.
Montane Women’s Ineo Lite Pants
Key technical specs:
The Montane Ineo Lite Pants are lightweight and sport low profile seams. These are a great all around mountain legging for spring, summer, and fall weather.
- Price: $75
- Material: nylon and elastane
- Style: high-rise, warm weather legging
What we love
These are an affordable, flattering pair of hiking leggings that balance fashion and functionality. They are durable enough to support multiple types of outdoor enthusiasts in various pursuits but they aren’t so thick or heavy that they prevent movement.
What we don’t
These pants may not last through multiple seasons of scrambling or rock hopping. Depending on where you want to hike, the Montane Ineo Lite Pants may not be durable enough to trust if you have to squeeze through rocky slot canyons.
Product Review:
The lightweight feel of these pants supports a lot of mobility, making them a great fit for hiking, trail running, outdoor yoga, or even biking. Montane uses MALA LISSOM nylon and POLYGIENE permanent odor control which minimize the chance of these hiking tights stretching out of smelling during long backpacking trips. Wicking mesh along the deep stretch waist bands allows the body to breathe through these tights on warmer days. UPF 40+ protects the legs from sunburn and sun damage.
Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Rock Tight
Key technical specs:
The Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Rock Tights are made with flexible CORDURA and an elastic waist grip which helps these pants stay up. They were made specifically for rock climbing but work well as a durable hiking pant.
- Price: $80
- Material: nylon and elastane
- Style: mid-rise, full climbing seat gusset
What we love
We love that these tights work so well for hiking. Because they were designed with rock contact in mind, the Chockstone Rock Tight will stand up to tough tests on high alpine terrain. It also works as a great option when adventuring into unexpected terrain. If you don’t know what you’ll be up against, the added durability, seat gusset, and CORDURA fabric can stand up to a lot of sharp rocks, thick bushes, and denses forests.
What we don’t
These pants are a little more durable and sport a PFR free DWR finish to repel water. This makes them a little less breathable than others on the list. If water crossings or humid mornings are in your itinerary, then these may not be the best option.
Product Review:
The Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Rock Tight sports a high-pitch back panel and elastic waist grip keeping these pants up where they are supposed to ride, even if they are coming into contact with a rock climbing hardness or backpack frame. The right thigh zippered pocket is a helpful quick-stash location. You’ll have a great range of movement even with the extra durability.
Columbia Wingates II Leggings
Key technical specs:
These Columbia leggings are made using the company’s proprietary Omni-Wick and Omni-Shade technology that offers UPF 50+ sun protection. A 26” inseam and cargo pockets make these a lightweight easy option for quick day jaunts out in the woods.
- Price: $70
- Material: polyester and elastane
- Style: high-rise, ankle-length
What we love
The Wingates II leggings are just a great all-around hiking legging. With various colors and gentle give, these leggings are an attractive option for anyone. Beginner mountain adventurers can pick these up without too much of a financial investment and get a solid piece of gear.
What we don’t
They aren’t as durable as others on this list. Depending on your preferred terrain – we’re looking at you mountaineers and alpinists – you may need to select a more rugged option.
Product Overview/Review:
The Columbia Wingates II Leggings are the closest thing to traditional leggings we have on this list. UCF 50 UV protection prevents sunburn and sun damage while moisture-wicking technology keeps legs cool and dry. These leggings are breathable enough to wear in summer weather but also make a good option to layer underneath a thicker cold-weather pant. Double knit stretch allows these pants to fit and flatter all body types.
Stio Glide Highrise Tech Tight
Key technical specs:
A wide waistband and a full-length crop allow the Stio Glide Highrise Tech Tight to flatter various forms and heights.
- Price: $129
- Material: nylon and spandex
- Style: high waist, long inseam
What we love
Stio designs clothing for curvy and shapely forms. These leggings are incredibly flattering and form fitting. They come in a ton of fun colors like cranberry, olive, hot pink, and sky blue.
What we don’t
They are expensive, but you get what you pay for. The Stio Glide Highrise Tech Tight is well worth it.
Product Overview/Review:
With a left hip security pocket and right thigh stow pocket, these hiking tights are perfect for long run days or short jaunts to the neighborhood park. They are so comfortable and built so an individual can wear them for long periods of time without pinching, pulling, or squeezing. The nylon and spandex blend withstand rugged terrain and bushwhacking through overgrown trails.
Title Nine Zion Hiking Tights
Key technical specs:
An elastic waist with internal drawcord allows for easy adjustment while reinforced areas along the 28.74” inseam allow you to feel safe and secure no matter the movement.
- Price: $100
- Material: polyamide and elastane
- Style: mid-rise, moisture wicking, chafe-free
What we love
Title Nine really tried to blend the comfort of a yoga pant with the durability of a hiking pant and we think they nailed it. The Zion HIking Tights are both cozy and supportive, incentivizing us to really get after it.
What we don’t
They only come in two colors – blue and red.
Product Overview/Review:
Text
The DWR finished chafe-free fabric means that these hiking tights won’t rub through after just a few wears like other pairs are prone to do. The mid-rise provides support and comfort while allowing dynamic movements. A secure thigh-pocket offers easy access to your phone so you can snap pictures of wildflowers, bighorn sheep, or beautiful pine trees swaying in the breeze.
Kuhl Transender Leggings
Key technical specs:
A yoga-style legging with a high-rise stretch waistband that functions as a softshell hiking tight for chilly outdoor adventures.
- Price: $99
- Material: nylon and spandex
- Style: high-rise, long hiking legging
What we love
Kuhl consistently makes high quality textile products and the Transender Leggings are no exception. Knit stretch panels give the wearer a fantastic range of motion while keeping them warm and dry.
What we don’t
These tights won’t do well in hot weather as the are designed for cold excursions.
Product Overview/Review:
Flexible yet durable fabric make these leggings trail-tough without restricting mobility. The weather resistant blend of nylon and spandex are awesome for snowy conditions. An envelope pocket sits at the right outer thigh providing a great place for your phone, credit card, or key. High rise makes you feel secure while providing a little extra cushion between your back and your backpack. This pant hits right at the ankle, allowing you to tuck the bottom into wool socks, gaiters, or ski boots should your adventure take you on lesser traveled, snowy terrain. If you don’t want to spend a ton of money on hiking leggings, these are a great mid-ground that can work in rugged conditions but may also work as loungewear.
Buyer’s Guide
When shopping for hiking leggings, the most important thing to remember is to find a piece of clothing that you feel more comfortable in. You may have a textile material preference or rise style you like better than others. You also may have a greater need for certain pockets or waterproofing. It’s all about what you need to feel safe, protected, and comfortable on the trail.
Condition specific material
Some materials – like wool – will be better in the winter time. For heat, you’ll want a synthetic fabric that wicks moisture away like nylon or polyester. While these materials may be less breathable than cotton, they will dry more quickly and are designed to keep the wearer cool.
Durability
Consider the terrain you enjoy hiking or running in. If you crave big alpine days, 14ers, or even a mix of hiking and scrambling, you’ll want to select a pant with reinforced knees and extra flexibility. If you plan to hike in the tropics but want to protect your legs from UV rays, you’ll need pants with UPF.
Weatherproofing
For people spending a lot of time in the backcountry or many days out on trail, hiking leggings with weatherproofing are pretty much non negotiable. You won’t be able to pack a ton of gear on your back and will need a hiking tight that can do it all.
Comfort
You want to be comfortable while spending time outside. While mother nature will certainly push you past your comfort zone, you want your clothing to be able to stand up to her tests while making you feel supported. The last thing you want to be focused on is your hiking tights riding up, falling down, pinching, or squeezing.
Breathability
Breathability is important for those trekking around in warmer climates. You’ll want your hiking tights to wick moisture away so that they don’t become wet and you don’t start to chaffe.
Pockets
Most hiking tights now come with pockets, but some offer more space than others. Consider if you need to carry more gear on your body or if you can do with less.
Style
Some leggings are mid-rise whereas others are high-rise. Each have their merits but it really comes down to personal style and fashion.
FAQs
Can I Wear Leggings While Hiking?
Absolutely. Leggings are a great option for hiking because they protect your legs from getting scratched, burned, or wind chapped. Leggings can also help prevent chafing between the thighs much better than spandex or running shorts.
Is It Better to Hike in Shorts or Leggings?
This one is personal preference. If you like the feeling of the sun and wind on your legs, then leggings may not be your desired garment. Some people feel too restricted by leggings whereas others feel too exposed in shorts. This one is totally up to you.
Are cotton leggings good for hiking?
Cotton leggings are not good for hiking. While they feel comfortable and thin, they can snag easily on branches, thorns, or rocks. Cotton also doesn’t dry quickly and becomes heavy when wet. It’s pretty much the worst material you can select to hike in.
There you have it. Now get out there and enjoy the day in whichever hiking leggings you choose.
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